Richard Gregan

Yes, it can take 32 weeks in some cases! They now assess via seasonal assessment rounds, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter rounds. Regards, Richard

Points test advice is optional. It's fine to leave it to immigration to assess your employment evidence. There's always a chance they may ask you to go to TRA for points advice, but very rarely happens in my experience. Just make sure your employment evidence is solid. Regards, Richard

I would suggest 190 state sponsorship as a better option, as 65 point 189s aren't being picked up at present. Regards, Richard

Vetassess have finally confirmed a new venue for UK-based Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics (ANZSCO: 342111) This is now: The Practical Refrigeration Training Centre Ltd, Unit 2 Withams Mill, Plumbe St, Burnley, BB11 3AW, Lancashire, United Kingdom. Those waiting for practical assessments should contact Vetassess. Regards, Richard Gregan MARN 9905168

Vetassess have finally confirmed a new venue for UK-based Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics (ANZSCO: 342111) This is now: The Practical Refrigeration Training Centre Ltd, Unit 2 Withams Mill, Plumbe St, Burnley, BB11 3AW, Lancashire, United Kingdom. Those waiting for practical assessments should contact Vetassess. Regards, Richard Gregan MARN 9905168

Check out the trade fact sheet for your occupation on the Vetassess website. This will give you an idea of the competency areas they will be asking you to describe your experience in. Also the sample topics in the candidate guide, also found on their site. Regards, Richard

Ultimately, employment advice from an assessment authority is just that: advisory. In terms of teaching applicants, you can submit your employment evidence directly to immigration and make a claim for the points, without obtaining points test advice from the skills assessment authority (although you still need a positive skills assessment obviously). However, it should be noted that an immigration case officer reserves the right to ask you to go back and get employment advice if they feel they would like the additional advisory. For this reason, most people try to pre-empt this possibility from occurring by getting employment advice before applying for the visa. it comes down to individual choice. I always advise people to go for it at the same time as their skills assessment, as then they are covered. However, in situations where you are adding subsequent work experience AFTER a skills assessment e.g. you worked for an additional year in Australia, then there should be no need to get additional employment advice for this. You just 'add it on'. Providing you've factored this into the EOI and you have employment evidence then the case officer should accept it. Regards, Richard

For partner points, you still need a skills assessment, and that means AITSL. Regards, Richard

You can download the Fact Sheet from Vetassess which will give you a good idea of the competency units they will ask you about. Regards, Richard

You can 'opt in' to Vetassess providing you are willing to attend a technical interview in a participating country. Regards, Richard

There's no doubt the 12 week window to register in person is a bit of a pain. AHPRA likely put this into effect due to a large number of unregistered applications sitting on their database. Regards, Richard

2012 was a long time ago. Applicants must be able to verify the number of placement days undertaken as part of the course.

It comes down to the college-based content. If it was a purely site-based NVQ2, then it would be very unlikely to be approved. Regards, Richard

Anyone can apply to Vetassess theoretically (non-OSAP applicants can apply providing they are willing to travel to a participating country) but you'll need to meet their requirements (found on their website), and you'll need to submit a document assessment, including pay evidence, and then sit a Skype-style online technical interview with a Vetassess assessment officer based in Australia. I'm not sure whether this would be much quicker, and in terms of costs, it will cost you a good deal more than $1000AUD. Regards, Richard